Organic host analogues and the search for life on Mars
Organic host analogues and the search for life on Mars
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DOI：
10.1017/s1473550410000303
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发表时间：
2010-08
影响因子：
1.7
通讯作者：
J. Marlow;Z. Martins;M. Sephton
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
J. Marlow;Z. Martins;M. Sephton
摘要火星模拟站点是我们继续研究红色星球的重要工具;在地球上形成给定模拟环境的类似物理化学过程使研究人员能够为已知的火星条件做好准备，并发现目前未知的关系。这篇有机宿主类似物的综述--地球上模仿火星低有机含量的地点--考察了对生物过程造成特定火星样障碍的特定地点。低温、干旱、高辐射和氧化性土壤是现代火星的特征，而在地球过去更温暖、更潮湿的时期，酸性盐水沃茨也会带来自己的挑战。通过研究地球上生命的每一个障碍，科学家们可以准备前往火星的仪器，并确定寻找生物特征的最佳位置和方法。随着我们对有机宿主类似物的使用变得越来越复杂，研究人员将致力于确定具有多种火星样条件的陆地站点，这些条件是根据火星位置的独特矿物学和物理特征量身定制的。以这些方式利用有机宿主类似物将加强对火星上过去或现在生命迹象的搜索。
Abstract Mars analogue sites represent vital tools in our continued study of the Red Planet; the similar physico-chemical processes that shape a given analogue environment on Earth allow researchers to both prepare for known Martian conditions and uncover presently unknown relationships. This review of organic host analogues – sites on Earth that mimic the putatively low organic content of Mars – examines specific locations that present particular Mars-like obstacles to biological processes. Low temperatures, aridity, high radiation and oxidizing soils characterise modern-day Mars, while acid–saline waters would have presented their own challenges during the planet's warmer and wetter past. By studying each of these hurdles to life on Earth, scientists can prepare instruments headed for Mars and identify the best locations and approaches with which to look for biological signatures. As our use of organic host analogues becomes increasingly sophisticated, researchers will work to identify terrestrial sites exhibiting multiple Mars-like conditions that are tailored to the distinct mineralogical and physical characteristics of Martian locations. Making use of organic host analogues in these ways will enhance the search for signs of past or present life on Mars.